Retinal Drugs Market Trends

Retinal Drugs Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Retinal Disorders Globally

• The growing number of cases involving retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is one major factor driving growth. Worldwide, over 196 million people experienced AMD in 2020, expected to grow to 288 million by the year 2040; diabetic retinopathy impacts almost 188 million people and RVO affects almost 16.4 million people, all of which continue to build the overall pool of patients pursuing retinal therapies. Dementia, diabetes and lifestyle factors affecting retinal health due to aging populations, increased screen use, and improper diets are only increasing the amount of retinal health problems and the need to increase retinal health therapies. Since people are able to see an eye doctor and learn about their disease earlier than before and earlier in the disease process, the possibility for intervention is clearer; as a result, the increase in demand for anti-VEGF medications, corticosteroids, and gene therapies, for example, will only rise.

Technological Advancements and Therapeutic Innovation

• The growth of the retinal drug market is driven by advances in biologics and the growing portfolio of drug delivery systems. Anti-VEGF therapies have improved outcomes while reducing the treatment burden with fewer injections, with Eylea producing over $9.6 billion in 2023. Longer-lasting treatments like Susvimo's long-acting implant and gene therapies like Luxturna were just some examples of technologies that allow sustained treatments. With companies Roche and Novartis advancing clinical trials of several pipeline agents, and AI facilitating early diagnosis, there has never been more progress. All of these innovations of market potential enhance efficacy, lessen treatment burden, and provide access to a larger number of patients, all of which is a formula for growth in the market and delivery personalized treatments.

Retinal Drugs Market Restraints

High Treatment Costs

• Though there have been improvements in treatment, the high price of retinal drugs greatly restricts access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, ultimately being a significant barrier to market expansion. Anti-VEGF drugs (the current standard of care for numerous retinal diseases) are often sold at exorbitant prices. For instance, Lucentis can be priced from $1,200 to $2,000 per injection and patients may require a monthly injection. While some biosimilars, like Byooviz, may be cheaper, they are still cost prohibitive for many healthcare systems and out-of-pocket payers. Additionally, some drug regimens can go on for several years, creating a significant financial burden. In many cases, public healthcare systems in constructing countries have not the capacity to fund or reimburse drugs, while private insurance plans typically exclude retinal diseases or impose very high copays to dissuade patient adherence.

Procedural and Clinical Challenges Associated with Intravitreal Drug Delivery

• Another key retinal drug market restraint is the invasive process and procedural risk of intravitreal drug administration, which continues to be the preferred approach to retinal therapeutics delivery. Intravitreal injection involves a built-in risk of endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, inflammatory eye response, and intraocular pressure elevation upon direct administration into the vitreous.Additionally, studies have shown that about 20% of the patients experience anxiety or discomfort in relation to the injection procedure, which can potentially complicate clinical outcomes and treatment compliance. The inconsistency of return visits, sometimes monthly or bi-monthly, is a strain on geriatric patients, who have mobility impairment and co-morbidities. The pragmatic burden for frequent visits also adds stress to healthcare systems. Retina specialists are limited globally, and consequently the growing demographic often slows scheduling processes behind and can create bottlenecks for patient visits to clinics. A survey of retina clinics in North America, performed by the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), found more than 30% of retina clinics are at or nearly at their full capacity to see patients, which affects their ability to accept new or ongoing cases.